The Doctor of Engineering, or Engineering Doctorate, (abbreviated DEng or EngD) is a degree awarded on the basis of advanced study and research in engineering and applied science for solving problems in industry. According to the National Science Foundation in the United States, it is a terminal research doctorate. A DEng/EngD is equivalent to a PhD in engineering, but different in that it has a solid industrial base and an additional taught element. The degree is usually aimed toward working professionals.
The DEng/EngD along with the PhD represents the highest academic qualification in engineering, and the successful completion of either in engineering is generally required to gain employment as a full-time, tenure-track university professor or postdoctoral researcher in the field. However, due to its nature, a DEng/EngD graduate might be more suitable for the Professor of Practice position. Individuals can use the academic title doctor, which is often represented via the English honorific "Dr”.
DEng/EngD candidates submit a significant project, typically referred to as a thesis or praxis, consisting of a body of applied and practical methods/products with the main goal of solving complex industrial problems. Candidates must defend this work before a panel of expert examiners called a thesis or dissertation committee.
PhD Engineering Course Details
Degree | Doctorate |
Full Form | Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering |
Duration | 3 Years |
Subjects Required | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics |
Minimum Percentage | PG in Engineering with 50% aggregate marks |
Average Fees | INR 20,000 to 40,000. |
Average Salary | INR 3 to 14 LPA |
Employment Roles | Postsecondary Teacher, Computer and Information Research Scientist, Computer Hardware Engineer, IT Support Analyst, Network Engineer and It Consultant |
Types of PhD Engineering
Aspirants can pursue the PhD Engineering course in the full-time or part-time mode. Below are the types of PhD Engineering courses in detail:
Full-Time PhD Engineering
It is a normal Doctor of Philosophy program whose duration ranges between 4-6 years, depending upon the student's research project. Students mostly conduct their research with a focus and concentration on the Doctor of Philosophy subjects. Most PhD Engineering students act as teaching assistants to various professors in their departments in PhD Engineering colleges.
The full-time Doctor of Philosophy course cost is the highest compared to other modes of PhD Engineering degrees. There are 3 major types of Doctor of Philosophy course students who do a full-time PhD Engineering.
Part-Time PhD Engineering
A part-time PhD Engineering typically takes five to eight years, but this period depends on how long the university offers you and how much work you put in. One might have more time than you initially thought and finish it sooner, or your work and life balance may get in the way, and it takes longer. You will have several years to complete the degree if you're doing a PhD Engineering part-time. It will benefit PhD Engineering engineering that it becomes easy to work around commitments or employment.
Distance PhD Engineering
Apart from a Full-time and Part-time PhD Engineering engineering program, there is a Distance PhD Engineering program, which gives the benefits of supervision from one or more leading University of Reading academics. Working at the forefront of their field, access to high-quality training, delivered on campus or via online packages, access to extensive online Library resources, and a reduced tuition fee set at half the standard full- or part-time rate for periods when studying off-campus.
A PhD Engineering qualification is examined at the same level as a campus-based PhD Engineering and a standard PhD Engineering degree certificate that does not state its mode of study.
Study PhD Engineering in India
India is home to some of the PhD Engineering colleges in the world. Aspirants have many options to choose from in terms of the best PhD Engineering course as per their preferences. Depending on the type of PhD Engineering programs offered, candidates will have to choose. Below are some of the top colleges in India offering PhD Engineering courses:
Top 10 PhD Engineering Colleges in India
Below is the list of the 10 best PhD Engineering Colleges in the country:
Sl.No. | Name of the Colleges |
1 | PSGCT, Coimbatore |
2 | Anna University, Chennai |
3 | AIIMS, New Delhi |
4 | IIT, Bombay |
5 | DSCE, Bangalore |
6 | RVCE, Bangalore |
7 | IIT, Madras |
8 | IIST, Thiruvananthapuram |
9 | MMU, Ambala |
10 | Chandigarh University |
Top PhD Engineering Colleges in New Delhi
Delhi, the educational hub of India, stands in the fourth position in producing PhD Engineering candidates. Here are the top 5 PhD Engineering Colleges in New Delhi:
Sl.No. | Institution |
1 | JMI University |
2 | IGNOU |
3 | University of Delhi |
4 | Amity University |
5 | JNU |
Top PhD Engineering Colleges in Mumbai
Below is the list of colleges which are the top PhD Engineering colleges in Mumbai:
SI.No. | Institution |
1 | IIT Bombay |
2 | VJIT |
3 | ICT, Mumbai |
4 | KJ Somaiya College of Engineering |
5 | MPSTME, Mumbai |
Top PhD Engineering Colleges in Pune
Below are the list of colleges which are the top colleges of PhD Engineering in Pune:
Sl.No. | Institution |
1 | TMV |
2 | UNIPUNE |
3 | MIT WPU- Pune |
4 | Vishwakarma University |
5 | MIT ADT University |
Top PhD Engineering Colleges in Chennai
Top 5 PhD Engineering Colleges of Chennai are given below:
Sl.No. | Institution |
1 | IIT Madras |
2 | SRM University |
3 | Sathyabama University |
4 | Dr MGR Educational and Research Institute |
5 | TNDALU Chennai |
Top PhD Engineering Colleges in Bangalore
Bangalore city has some of India's best colleges for PhD Engineering courses. Here is the list of top colleges for PhD Engineering in Bangalore:
Sl.No. | Institution |
1 | Christ University |
2 | NLSIU |
3 | IISC |
4 | REVA University |
5 | IIM Bangalore |
Top PhD Engineering Colleges in Kolkata
Check the Table below for the top colleges in Kolkata:
Sl.No. | Institution |
1 | Jadavpur University |
2 | Techno India University |
3 | Presidency University |
4 | IIM Calcutta |
5 | Aliah University |
Top PhD Engineering Colleges in Hyderabad
The Telangana state capital has some premier institutions for PhD Engineering courses in India. Check the table below for the top PhD Engineering colleges in Hyderabad:
Sl.No. | Institutions |
1 | Osmania University |
2 | IIT Hyderabad |
3 | University of Hyderabad |
4 | MANUU |
5 | Malla Reddy University |
Top PhD Engineering Government Colleges
Several top Government Colleges offer quality PhD Engineering programmes across the country. Check the table below for the top PhD Engineering government colleges in India:
Sl.No. | Institution |
1 | JMI ,New Delhi |
2 | UniPune |
3 | Aligarh Muslim University |
4 | NIMS University |
5 | University of Hyderabad |
Top PhD Engineering Private Colleges
India has seen significant growth in the number of quality PhD Engineering private colleges that offer some of the best programmes in the country. Check the table below for the top PhD Engineering private colleges in India:
Sl.No. | Institutions |
1 | Apex University |
2 | IIMC, Hyderabad |
3 | Loyola College, Chennai |
4 | NLSIU, Bangalore |
5 | BITS, Goa |
Study PhD Engineering Abroad
Students can opt to study a PhD Engineering course abroad if they can afford it. The PhD Engineering course abroad is for 3 years, depending on the type of course, college and country. Studying a PhD Engineering course abroad is access to some of the best resources, facilities, and faculties, apart from the worldwide subject matter and other cultures.
In addition, PhD Engineering is one of the best courses to study abroad because of its diversity. Below are some of the top PhD Engineering colleges abroad and the relevant fees structure:
Top PhD Engineering Colleges Abroad
The table below contains the list of the some of the best colleges abroad for PhD Engineering:
Institution | Fees |
University of Sydney, Australia | AUD 43,932 |
Southern Illinois University, USA | USD 48,401 |
University of Dayton, USA | USD 35,587 |
University of Montreal, Canada | CAD 16,223 |
Duke University, USA | USD 81,186 |
Rice University, USA | USD 65,568 |
University of Idaho, USA | USD 34,875 |
Columbia University | USD 52,352 |
Braunschweig University, Germany | EUR 5,163 |
Lawrence Technology University, USA | USD 30,842 |
Top PhD Engineering Colleges in the USA
The USA is home to some of the best universities and colleges offering top-notch PhD Engineering programmes globally. The US is the best country for PhD Engineering studies and settling abroad. It's at PhD Engineering-level that the USA shines through.
America's rigorous approach to graduate study delivers a standard of training and professional development that often surpasses the minimum requirement for more 'traditional' research-focused doctorates in other countries. The table below contains the list of top colleges of PhD Engineering in the USA:
Sl.No. | Institution |
1 | University of Idaho |
2 | Duke University |
3 | Rice University |
4 | Lawrence Technology University |
5 | Columbia University |
Top PhD Engineering Colleges in the UK
A PhD Engineering is a research degree and is the highest award available at universities in the UK. The study is based on a substantial research project on an area of academic interest, typically up to 100,000 words in length, written as a thesis which then must be defended in an oral examination in front of a panel of experts. The table below contains the list of top colleges of PhD Engineering in the UK:
Sl.No. | Institutions |
1 | University of Oxford |
2 | University of Cambridge |
3 | Imperial College London |
4 | King’s College London |
5 | University of Warwick |
Top PhD Engineering Colleges in Canada
An increasingly attractive and multicultural study destination, Canada is a great option to consider for your PhD Engineering studies, offering a wealth of research opportunities to help you expand your expertise. Here are the top universities of PhD Engineering in Canada:
Sl.No. | Institution |
1 | University of Toronto |
2 | University of British Columbia |
3 | McGill University |
4 | McMaster University |
5 | University of Montreal |
Top PhD Engineering Colleges in Australia
A PhD Engineering in Australia means that you will develop your knowledge and skills, which ultimately increases your chances of employment within Australia and any country. According to the UN's Education Index, Australia's education system ranks first. The table below shows the top universities of PhD Engineering in Australia:
Sl.No. | Institution |
1 | University of Queensland |
2 | University of Southern Queensland |
3 | University of Melbourne |
4 | University of Sydney |
5 | University of New South Wales |
Top PhD Engineering Colleges in Germany
It is much easier to get a PhD Engineering at a European university, which takes about 3-4 years in a good university in Europe. The PhD Engineering from Germany in engineering enjoys an outstanding reputation. Germany's research institutions, universities and companies welcome international researchers and offer excellent opportunities for doctoral students.
The table below shows the top universities in Germany colleges of PhD Engineering:
Sl.No. | Institution |
1 | Technical University of Munich |
2 | Heidelberg University |
3 | LMU Munich |
4 | Universitätsmedizin Berlin |
Fee Structure
The fee structure for PhD Engineering varies for different Universities. Also, the fee structure varies following the course and University. Students can download the admission brochure and the course curriculum to get the details of PhD Engineering admission and fee structure.
In general, government-aided universities have relatively lower fees than private Universities. Some Universities offer a fee waiver system depending upon the candidate’s economic condition, caste, and merit. The average PhD Engineering in Engineering fee in India is INR 20,000 - 3 LPA. Now, read below to learn about the fee structure of different universities.
Name of the college | Fees Structure |
Anna University, Chennai | INR 51,000 PA |
Chandigarh University | INR 50,000 PA |
IIT Bombay | INR 1.97 LPA |
IIST Thiruvananthapuram | INR 54,700 PA |
Syllabus and Subjects for PhD Engineering
Though the actual course offerings might differ from one university to another, here is a list of major subjects which are commonly studied under a PhD Engineering in Electrical Engineering:
PhD Engineering Course Comparison
PhD Engineering stands for Doctor of Philosophy and is typically catered to students interested in and inclined towards research-based degrees and professional application.
Course | PhD Engineering | M.Tech |
Full Form | Doctor of Philosophy | Master of Technology |
Stream | Engineering | Engineering |
Course Duration | 5 Years | 2 Years |
Entrance Exams | NET JRF, TIFR GS, SLET, GATE | GATE, IPU CET, BHU PET, and TANCET |
Top Colleges | P.S.G College of Technology, Anna University, AIIMS, IIT, DSCE | IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi |
Fees | INR 20,000 - 4 LPA. | INR 50,000 - 4 LPA |
Salary of a PhD Engineering Graduates
The salary depends on the kind of job you get/you choose to do, your PhD Engineering research area, and your employment. No prior experience is required to be a PhD Engineering Student. The average salary of a PhD Engineering graduate starts from INR 6 - INR 12 LPA (Source: Payscale), depending on the stream you belong from.
Career Options After PhD Engineering
A majority of students pursue a PhD Engineering degree because it offers better career options, for example, in academics and research. PhD Engineering is a broad term. It has many specializations that have different career options and jobs. PhD Engineering Jobs include:
Skills That Make You The Best PhD Engineering Graduates
There are many complex and soft skills that BA graduates need to possess to succeed in their careers. These are not necessarily skills that students can get in a classroom setting. Instead, these are skills that are learned through experience.
Therefore, students should always put in the effort to go out of their comfort zone and gain as much experience as possible. Some of these skills include:
The admission Procedure for PhD Courses Requires A Master's Degree From A Recognized University. Students Should Have Secured A Minimum Of 45-50% in Their Exams Post, Which They Are Required To Qualify For Any One Of The National/state Level entrance Exams to Get Admitted For PhD. Students Should Prepare Their Research Proposal As They Will Have To Send It To The College Of Their Choice For The Application Process. The PhD Eligibility Criteria Depend On The College, And The Course Students Are Interested In Applying For.
There Are Many Tips That Students Must Note When Deciding To Pursue A PhD Mechanical Engineering Degree. Some Important Preparation Tips Are Listed Below To Ensure That The Students Crack The Course And Pass The Exams Without Any Hurdles.
Syllabus: Students Must Be Well-versed With The Course Syllabus. This Is The First And Most Fundamental Step In The Preparation Process.
Exam Pattern: Understand The Examination Patterns And The Kind Of Questions That Are Commonly Asked. Students Will Almost Likely Be Asked Multiple-choice Questions.
Important Topics: Students Should Concentrate More On The Important Areas Where Questions Are Most Usually Asked. These Sections Must Be Focused On While Reviewing The Chapters.
Practice: Practice Questions From Past Years' Question Papers And Sample Papers.
Why Choose PhD Engineering?
When students decide to pursue the PhD Engineering qualification, they should research PhD Engineering course details to ensure they know the course they are enrolled in. Students encounter some common queries: "What is PhD Engineering" and "Why PhD Engineering?". To understand the answer to these questions, we can make it simpler by breaking it down into the following three short questions:
What is PhD Engineering All About?
A PhD Engineering or a Doctor of Philosophy is a doctoral research degree and is the highest academic qualification. It involves engaging in in-depth research, understanding research issues, and solving key problems with exceptional analytical and observational skills.
The aspirant should be comfortable with long working hours, analyzing and solving complex problems with calmness. A PhD Engineering is also something to be incredibly proud of.
Why Do PhD Engineering Graduates?
Students can select the subjects of their choice depending on their interest in job prospects available in the specific field. Since graduates with a PhD Engineering degrees possess skills in various subjects, there are career opportunities available in multiple fields. In addition, there are many responsibilities that graduates of this role have to undertake, which makes the role very dynamic and diverse.
Lecturing: One of the popular roles undertaken by graduates of the PhD Engineering course is Lecturer. Since students gain a deeper understanding of a specific subject when studying PhD Engineering, it helps them pursue lecturing.
Reasons Why PhD Engineering Can Fetch You a Rewarding Career?
PhD Engineering courses are a very reflective and exciting stream of education. Students can gauge the intrinsic worth of a PhD Engineering course because it offers more employment opportunities than any other stream. Thus, the PhD Engineering job scope is forever widening and appealing.
Diversity in Job roles: There is a diverse range of job roles available for the graduates of this course. Since the specializations available to the students are very flexible, it enables them to pursue a wide range of careers.
The Admission Process For A PhD Is Not Complicated, But It Is Tedious As There Are Many Steps In The Admission Process. If Students Qualify The Eligibility Criteria For The Course, They Will Be Able To Get Admission For A PhD. Along With Getting Good Grades At The Master's Level, Students Are Expected To Appear For An entrance Exam.
How To Apply?
Students Can Apply Online Or Offline. Due To The COVID Pandemic, The Admission Process For PhD In Most Universities Has Become Online. Students Need To Visit The Official Website And Look For The Course They Are Interested In. Then They Should Fill Out The PhD Admission Form By Giving Out Their Name, Phone Number, Email Address, Course They Are Interested In, Etc. The Students Must Visit The Respective College For Offline Registration And Fill Out The Application Form By Attaching The Required Documents.
Selection Process
Once The Application Is Accepted, There Can Be A Final Round Of Group Discussions Or Personal Interviews Done By Universities Based On The College. They Ask The Aspirants To Explain Their Research Proposal And Defend Its Relevance Before Confirmation Of Admission.
PhD Is A Competitive Course That Many Students Apply For. Since A PhD Qualification Is A Very Valued Qualification Not Provided By Many Colleges, There Is A Lot Of Competition Amongst Students To Get Admission There. To Make The Decision-making Process Fair, Colleges Introduce An Entrance Exam As A Screening Process. Some Of The Most Popular PhD Entrance Exams Are Listed Below:
A Quick Glance At The PhD Entrance Exams
The Eligibility Criteria Of The Above-mentioned Entrance Exams Are Entirely Dependent On The Conduction Body; Hence It Varies. While The Format Of The Entrance Exams Varies On The Specialisation, As Each College Or Subject Has Its Own Governing Body. Below Listed Are Some Of The General Guidelines Of The PhD Entrance Examinations: